Trends are born on the runway and it’s only a matter of time (we’re talking days, if not hours) until they make their mark on the street-style scene. So when Grazia declared flat shoe liberation as New York Fashion Week wrapped up, we were all ears.
"Fashion hasn’t always favoured the practical. But a substantial amount of shoes swapped out the sky-high platforms of last season for more functional footwear.”
Hear, hear! Flat shoes are the gift that keeps on giving. And what better opportunity to introduce you to the latest shape on our feet, one that’s quickly achieving cult status to become a modern day classic: the square toe.
Don’t get us wrong, who could resist a pointed toe? Then there’s the round toe which we all know and love, or those open toe platform sandals when summer comes around. We could never turn our backs on these beloved styles. But the square toe shape is looking strong and we’re happy to say it has been for a while. Better still, it’s here to stay. That means it’s time to get familiar with the various silhouettes, if you haven’t already.
Square toe mules
Slip-on shoes can surprise you in their functionality. It doesn’t get any easier than slipping into a pair of mules. Name any other smart shoe that actually looks good with sweatpants, jeans or a tailored suit. These backless flats are quiet but simultaneously make a statement. That shows confidence. Comfortable? Tick. Add depth, dimension and proportion to outfits? Tick, tick, tick. Can wear everywhere? Tick. Most of the year (socks or sockless). Tick. In case you needed any further convincing of square toe mules, yes, the rumours are true, one of our angular pairs was featured in said Grazia article as one of the “key styles” to watch out for in the footwear department - take a bow Badu square toe mules, you are making us proud.
Square toe loafers
When it comes to sharp shoes that are clearly made for walking, durable loafers score highly. Straighten the edges and you get a seriously modern twist on the latest and greatest flat shoes for women. The exaggerated toe shape of the Misia loafers, for example, gives dimension to a simple outfit – that tailored suit becomes edgy, your classic black dress gets a bit more curious and it brings a mini skirt to another level of effortlessly cool. Yet they don’t steal the limelight. Square toe loafers just work; they balance out proportions and are so much easier to style than you’d expect. Winter? Add a sock. Bare legs? They’re calling out for these pretty in pink beauties, with their distinct softness that's toughened up with the texture of cracked leather. Of course, there’s always the option of going back to black and we’ve added another variation to the mix for timelessness with an edge – patent leather in all its high-shine glory. The silhouette is here, the colour is there, now all you have to do is nail the fit of slip-ons and you won’t look back.
Square toe boots
We know that every flat shoe wardrobe needs a pair of durable boots. Well, have you considered square toe boots for work? Or play? Or dinner? Ok, you get the gist. These babies have versatility and can transform a workaday look into something sharp. The square toe is a great juxtaposition to anything overly feminine. It veers on having more masculine vibes, that when paired with a pretty dress and mini clutch bag, strikes the balance we all strive for. It’s ok to take a break from black, in fact we highly recommend it when it comes to the Tomorrow gold square toe boots. Not too masculine, not too feminine, less chunky, more streamlined, these Chelsea boots for women are smile-inducing. Style them with ultra chic navy – it wears just like your favourite black staples but with an unexpected softness. Add a contrasting colourful bag and you’re onto a winner.
